The Story of Chanukah
Chanukah for all
Chanukah Foods
Chanukah Traditions
Chanukah Around the World
100
Who were the heroes of the Chanukah story who led the fight against the Greeks?
Who are the Maccabees?
The Maccabees were a small group of Jewish fighters who successfully reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
100
How many days is Chanukah celebrated?
What is 8 days?
Interesting Fact: The eight days commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting longer than expected.
100
What fried potato dish is traditionally eaten during Chanukah?
What are latkes?
Interesting Fact: Latkes are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil.
100
What object is lit each night of Chanukah?
What is the menorah (or chanukiah)?
Interesting Fact: A special menorah called a chanukiah has nine branches—eight for the nights and one for the shamash (helper candle).
100
What is the Hebrew phrase that means "Happy Chanukah"?
What is "Chag Sameach"?
Interesting Fact: It translates to "Happy Holiday."
200
What empire were the Jews fighting during the Chanukah story?
What is the Seleucid Empire (Syrian-Greeks)?
Interesting Fact: The Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV sought to impose Greek culture and suppress Jewish practices.
200
What does the word “Chanukah” mean?
What is "dedication"?
Interesting Fact: The name refers to the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
200
What jelly-filled pastry is popular during Chanukah in Israel?
What are sufganiyot (jelly donuts)?
Interesting Fact: Sufganiyot became widely associated with Chanukah in Israel as a modern tradition.
200
What is the prayer recited when lighting the menorah?
What is the "Hanerot Halalu" or blessings over the candles?
Interesting Fact: The blessings thank God for the miracle of Chanukah.
200
What is the common Chanukah food in Israel?
What is sufganiyot?
Interesting Fact: Over 18 million sufganiyot are eaten in Israel during Chanukah each year.
300
How long did the small jar of oil last in the Temple?
What is 8 days?
Interesting Fact: The oil’s lasting for eight days allowed time to prepare more sacred oil.
300
What calendar is used to determine the start of Chanukah?
What is the Hebrew calendar?
Interesting Fact: Chanukah begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, which falls in November or December.
300
What is the symbolic reason Chanukah foods are fried in oil?
Answer: What is to remember the miracle of the oil?
Interesting Fact: The oil’s significance is a central theme of Chanukah celebrations.
300
How many candles are lit on the first night of Chanukah?
What is 2 (1 for the first night and 1 shamash)?
Interesting Fact: An additional candle is added each night until all 9 candles are lit on the last night.
300
What Hebrew letters are found on a dreidel?
What are Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin?
Interesting Fact: In Israel, Shin is replaced with Pey to represent "A great miracle happened here."
400
What did King Antiochus forbid the Jews from doing?
What is practicing their religion?
Interesting Fact: The Jewish revolt was sparked when Antiochus outlawed circumcision, Shabbat, and Torah study.
400
What is the game played during Chanukah with a spinning top?
What is dreidel?
Interesting Fact: The dreidel has four sides, each marked with a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin, standing for "A great miracle happened there."
400
What dairy food is also associated with Chanukah?
What is cheese?
Interesting Fact: Dairy foods are eaten in honor of the Chanukah heroine Judith, who used cheese to defeat an enemy general.
400
What is the tradition of giving money during Chanukah called?
What is "Chanukah gelt"?
Interesting Fact: Chanukah gelt is often given to children and sometimes in the form of chocolate coins.
400
What country hosts public menorah lightings in cities like New York and Washington, D.C.?
What is the United States?
Interesting Fact: Public menorah lightings began in the 1970s, promoted by the Chabad movement.
500
Where was the Temple that the Maccabees reclaimed?
What is Jerusalem?
Interesting Fact: The Temple was rededicated after being desecrated with idol worship.
500
What other name is Chanukah known by?
What is the "Festival of Lights"?
Interesting Fact: This name emphasizes the lighting of the menorah and the miracle of the oil.
500
What is the Italian Chanukah treat made with honey and fried dough
What are fritters (struffoli)?
500
Where is the menorah traditionally placed in the home?
What is by a window?
Interesting Fact: This publicizes the miracle of Chanukah to others.
500
What unique tradition do Yemenite Jews practice during Chanukah?
What is lighting oil lamps instead of candles?
Interesting Fact: This connects directly to the original oil used in the Temple.